Ogo amar Aagomoni Alo
Jalo Pradip Jalo …
Whenever I come across the word ‘Aagomoni’, this famous song sung by Shipra Basu starts playing in my mind. Then, I remember the magical and sonorous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra.
Ashwiner Sharodo-prate beje utheche aloko-monjir
Dharanir Bohir-akashe antorit Megha-mala
His voice continues to rule the heart of Bengalis. Whenever I think about radio, the first thing that comes into my mind is the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra. I remember my grandfather used to change the batteries of his radio on the eve of Mahalaya, irrespective of their condition; so that he can listen to it in a seamless manner. It has become a habit for me to get at up quarter to 4 am on the day of Mahalaya and to listen to ‘Mahashashur Mardini’ on the radio.
The onset of Mahalaya heralds the countdown to Kolkata’s most iconic cultural event, Durga Puja. The invitation to attend the 18th edition of Vodafone Aagomoni topped up my Mahalaya celebrations. Vodafone Aagomoni is a signature pre-Durgotsav event, held every year on the eve of Mahalaya. This year too it gifted its invitees with a nightlong grand musical extravaganza, saw performances from music and dance legends – Hari Haran, Rituparna Sengupta & troupe, Debajyoti Mishra, Rupankar Bagchi & Konineeca Banerjee, Lopamudra & Subhamita, Band Advaita, Bickram Ghosh and team, to name a few.
The program began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony by Hari Haran, Rituparna Sengupta and Shivan Bhargava. This was followed by a conventional welcome performance with the rhythm of the ‘dhakis’ or drummers. The tone for the evening was set with a dance performance based on the legendary tale of ‘Mahashashur Mardini’, presented by Rituparna Sengupta, Avirup Sengupta & troupe.
Tradition meets Tech
Vodafone Aagomoni is a traditional event. But this year something special happened. Vodafone is well known for its innovative products and futuristic vision. Taking its digital transformation initiative ahead, Vodafone Idea had brought two Vodafone Buddies. Buddy is a humanoid designed by Vodafone, to provide a seamless, engaging brand experience for its customers. These robots interacted with patrons at the Aagomoni celebrations and encouraged them to shake a leg at popular songs. This is a first of its kind initiative in the Indian Telecom Industry.
Kudos to Vodafone Idea for bridging the gap between tradition and technology. It was done in the best possible manner.
Wish everyone a Shubho Mahalaya and a Happy Durga Pujo.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written in association with the brand. The author was invited to attend the event. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are the author’s own. Click here to read the full ‘Statement of Disclosure’.